The people who flocked around Jesus were hungering for a better life. They were restless, not satisfied with their present life. Among them were tax collectors who were actually collaborating with the occupying Roman army. There were prostitutes, thieves, and any number of unsavory characters, as well as the sick, the lame, and the blind. In fact, Jesus’ enemies derided Him as a friend of sinners. The main group of people who did not respond to Jesus were the self-righteous, who were satisfied with themselves and their way of life. These people felt they had earned their place with God; they felt no need for what Jesus had to offer. They stood in judgment of others, but they could not look at themselves. Many of these hungry, restless, lonely outcasts became disciples of Jesus.

When people live their lives reflectively, that is, not taking things for granted or living presumptuously, they recognize that their hunger is to be in harmony with God, to be so close to God as to share in God’s very life. The goal of human life has been expressed as seeing God face to face, as sharing a life of living union with God. Words like these make this experience seem static and even unattractive. Yet, even now, we can begin to experience the magnetic power of this union. We can have moments of being lost in something beautiful. At times, we can feel an intense peace in surrendering to the larger mystery of life. And, perhaps most powerful of all, we can experience the thrill and joy of being united with another in full and unconditional acceptance. These experiences are but a mild foretaste of the ways in which the deepest human hunger will be satisfied. They are but fleeting glimpses of the living union with God that humans are destined to achieve.

St. Augustine said, “You have created us for yourself, O God. Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” His words are another way of expressing this destiny. We need to know the restlessness, the deep longing, the hunger for God that has been planted in human hearts. Entertainment, work, even relationships can all too often be the means by which people distract themselves from seeking to satisfy this restlessness.
As I think about it, a hunger for God is quite frequently expressed in a personal desire to understand the meaning and purpose of life. Each time I ask myself “Why am I here?”, I realize I am desirous of having a deeper relationship with God Who, I know, will provide me with an answer to this most important human question. Think about it!